Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signs the guest book next to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines on September 8, 2023. (Photo: Reuters)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a strategic partnership agreement with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his trip to Manila, the first visit by an Australian leader in 20 years.

"Australia is working with our partners including the Philippines to shape a region where sovereignty is upheld," Albanese said in a joint press conference with Marcos after holding bilateral talks.

Marcos said their countries' close ties were "terribly important".

The Philippines last month held military exercises near the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam) with Australia, its second-largest partner in defence security. It is also one of only two bilateral partners with whom the Philippines has a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows two countries to undertake joint exercises, high-level visits, dialogues and exchanges.